In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Claudia Fielding about A Costume Drama.
 |
| Photo by Max Mellor. |
What can you tell me about your show?
A Costume Drama is a heart-warming and hilarious story about one daughter’s attempt to fulfil her Father’s legacy… by filling the incredibly big boots of Yolkstone FC’s Eddie the Egg in this year’s Mascot Grand National. The show is the second solo show from writer/performer Claudia Fielding and Edinburgh Fringe will be the play’s debut!
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
In several reviews, so many that it can no longer be a coincidence, I (Claudia) have been described as ‘droll.’ Now I know that one requires a quick Google but don’t worry I did that for you; the word droll means amusing, funny, or clever in an odd, whimsical, or dry way. Despite my previously identifying as droll, and a lot of that ethos still seeping into my writing, specifically my dialogue, there is some failsafe slapstick and physical comedy in this play that anybody would be a misery guts not to laugh at. The show is poignant, about tradition and the love of The Game told through comedic storytelling.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I had always been intrinsically linked to football as my dad was one of the original members of the group of fans who helped rebuild AFC Wimbledon after the whole MK Dons debacle. I saw that he was part of a team who prioritised the fan, so I took it a step further and started to think about the person inside Wimbledon’s mascot suit, Haydon the Womble. Sprinkle in some short contracts working for Disneyland Paris as a character performer and the show writes itself.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
With the hubbub of the World Cup, and the increase in interests in particular for women’s football, there is no better year than this to delve into the story of an estranged Father/Daughter as they put everything on the line for the sake of their local football club. Footie seems sometimes like an intangible thing, something for the big leagues and multi-million pound players, but I wanted to come back down to Earth with this tale of reconnection and one egg-straordinary race for glory.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
As this is my second solo show at the Fringe, I feel more prepared purely out of not being a rookie. It’s important, especially if your show is quite heavy in its content, to look after yourself, even if that means just checking in and saying to yourself ‘I don’t feel quite right today!’ Lean into it, assess the damage, fulfil your duties and perform but think of ways to escape from that mindset. I decided this year to write a play that was joyous and about entertaining my audiences, sometimes making logistical choices like that can really benefit not only the audience but the writer/performer living in that world every day (at 13:25… at Zoo Playground… 3)
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
If it weren’t for the astronomical grocery prices at the moment, I would hand-painted little eggs to mimic the character of Eddie and hand them out to a lucky few. Or maybe leave them dotted around. A regular sized egg is far less imposing than the man-sized one I am going to be inhabiting for the month. But I’m sure you’ll see Eddie around too.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Lame I know but my running gear! Whilst doing a solo show for an hour is the equivalent of exercising for an hour, it’s really important that you remain prepared with a basic level of fitness. This job just requires it! It doesn’t have to be running, I also enjoy yoga and long walks on the beach and I’m looking for that special someone to… Wait, wrong questionnaire.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Lots of people feeling inspired and happy after watching my show. Despite the pressure of getting lots of reviewers, advancing my career in writing (don’t get me wrong I do really need to be a writer and intend to turn this play into a film), but my priority this year is entertaining people. Honing my skill as a performer whilst taking constructive feedback into the plot, dialogue etc of the play is all part of it and I’m viewing Fringe this year as a just a piece of the puzzle to getting to where I need to be as a writer, as success in this industry is in no way linear.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I am really keen to see The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy. I watched the same company’s show Spy Movie: The Play at Fringe two years back and thoroughly enjoyed it. hame.teeth.club by Kari Hall, their Fringe debut, is definitely a show I am going to catch as I love to support fellow artists who work in hospitality to make ends meet.. Although Kari is vegan so I love supporting artists who work in hospitality to make ends tofu?
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
A cosy pub. Escape the rain, have a pint of Tennants or a Diet Coke and wait for the sprinkling to end. It will never end. I’ve been in this pub for seven years. Send help.
Can you describe the show in five words?
Heartfelt, hilarious, poignant, entertaining, fun.
What keeps you inspired?
There is no other thing in the world that fills me with more joy than hearing an audience laughing at a joke I’ve written. I can take or leave the performing element, as sometimes I find that quite stressful, but sitting amongst an audience, feeling their energy when a joke is told and they all laugh. There’s nothing quite like it.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
To take note of the small things in life and try to live in the moment. Perhaps have a thought provoked to reconnect with that estranged family member or friend, or take a new hobby. I hope they don’t take away anything incredibly dramatic like being hyperfixated on becoming a football mascot, or worse… a furry.
When and where can people see the show?
Zoo Playground 3, 7th-30th of August (not 18th) at 13:25 daily!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-costume-drama
Post a Comment